Bhutan is committed to achieving full food self-sufficiency by 2029 through sustainable agriculture practices and addressing challenges posed by climate change. The government's 13th five-year plan focuses on supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women, by providing training on climate-smart agriculture and improving access to finance, technology, and markets. Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather and wildlife conflict, Bhutan's unique food system, based on the philosophy of gross national happiness, prioritizes sustainability and the well-being of its citizens. The country's approach to balancing development with environmental and social well-being, guided by the Gross National Happiness philosophy, sets it apart in prioritizing the growth of its people alongside economic growth.
Author: News.mongabay
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The king of the Andes: How a village learned to coexist with condors
Doris Torres, a sheepherder in Colombia, has transformed from seeing Andean condors as enemies to becoming a conservationist, helping bring condors back to the mountains. Working with Fernando Castro, villagers have created a safe haven for condors, with plans to release young condors bred in captivity into the wild. The community is preparing for this next step, aiming to release at least three juveniles by the end of 2027. The Andean condor plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning decomposing meat and preventing diseases, and their population in Colombia is critically endangered. The section discusses the importance of integrating communities into condor conservation strategies in the Andean region, focusing on protecting and releasing young condors back into the wild to ensure their survival and well-being in their natural habitat.
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How women farmers are helping elephants and forests in a Sumatran national park
Women farmers in the buffer zone of Tesso Nilo National Park in Sumatra are working to protect the park by planting citrus trees to deter elephants from destroying their crops. The Batang Nilo Women's Forest Farmer Group, Perbani, also empowers its members through gender equality classes and a savings-and-loans scheme. The group was granted Wanawiyata Widyakarya status for their successful conservation efforts. Perbani's efforts have been recognized by the government, earning them Wanawiyata Widyakarya status for their successful conservation initiatives. Despite challenges like illegal logging and land disputes, Perbani members remain committed to restoring the forest and sustaining ecosystems. The importance of empowering local groups and making big fundamental changes, such as securing women's land rights and ensuring gender equality in decision-making processes, is highlighted.
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‘To speak of agroecology is to speak of farmers’ autonomy’: Interview with Olga Muthambe
Olga Muthambe, a Mozambican social activist and Executive Director of the NGO Hikone Moçambique, advocates for agroecology as a response to challenges faced by rural women affected by extractive industries and armed conflict. Through her organization, over 1,600 women in Mozambique are participating in agroecological practice programs, empowering them to produce pesticide-free food for consumption and trade, improving food security, and generating income. Agroecology is highlighted as a key solution for sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and promoting farmers' autonomy. The organization focuses on empowering rural women facing social vulnerability and addresses issues such as displacement, expropriation of land, and labor exploitation by extractive industries, ultimately promoting food security and economic autonomy for women in Mozambique.
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For Brazil’s Xokleng people, saving a sacred tree means saving their culture
The Zág Institute, led by the Laklãnõ/Xokleng Indigenous people, is restoring the critically endangered Brazilian pine on their traditional territory in Santa Catarina. The reforestation project involves planting nearly 100,000 seedlings across 1,000 hectares, aiming to strengthen Indigenous identity and culture. The Brazilian pine is sacred to the Xokleng people, with its seeds serving as a vital food source and symbol of their heritage. The initiative seeks to reverse the decline of the species due to deforestation, urban expansion, and logging, while also addressing the endangerment of the Indigenous community and their culture. Carl and Isabel, along with the Zág Institute, have planted over 140,000 Brazilian pine seedlings in degraded areas and springs, involving the community and schools in their efforts. They aim to empower women through workshops and collective planting efforts, following Indigenous traditions and responsible harvesting practices. The project is funded by grants and donations, with plans to expand into activities like ethnotourism and agroforestry for financial sustainability and support of local initiatives. This long-term effort not only preserves the environment but also passes on a legacy to future generations, strengthening food sovereignty and educating younger generations about the importance of ancestral knowledge and caring for nature.
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In southern India, beekeeping helps Indigenous women earn more
The Women for Bees project in India's Western Ghats, launched by UNESCO in partnership with the Keystone Foundation, empowers Indigenous women through managed beekeeping with the native Asian honey bee. This initiative provides a safer and more predictable alternative to traditional wild honey hunting, leading to immediate economic impacts such as financial independence and improved livelihoods for participants. Studies have shown that pollination by Asian honey bees can enhance crop yields, while ecological benefits like improved flowering in surrounding fruit farms have been observed. The project has fostered community support and knowledge sharing among participants, with plans to expand to other biosphere reserves in the future.
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Scientific & traditional knowledge are key for effective & community-centered conservation (commentary)
Women from the Indigenous community of Kibber in Spiti Valley, India, and a village in the Himalayas have played key roles in monitoring and protecting snow leopards, combining traditional knowledge with scientific skills. These community-led conservation efforts have led to the end of retaliatory killings of snow leopards and wolves, and the establishment of livestock-free reserves to increase prey populations. Scientific research has influenced conservation policy, placing communities at the center of national strategies and leading to the establishment of community-managed reserves like the Tost Nature Reserve in Mongolia. The success of these efforts highlights the importance of integrating scientific and traditional knowledge, community engagement, and collaboration between communities, scientists, and conservation practitioners in effective and sustainable nature conservation.
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Why Africa should link nutritional data with fisheries management (commentary)
The Our Ocean Conference in Kenya highlighted the need for countries to manage aquatic foods for people's nutrition, not just for production and trade. A new op-ed argues that African countries should focus on managing fisheries for the nutritional benefits it provides to their people. Fishers in Timor-Leste have been logging their trips and recording data on the gear used, habitats visited, and catch brought home to better understand how small-scale fishing nourishes people. The value of a catch should not just be measured in kilos, but also in the nutrients it provides to local diets. This shift in focus is crucial for inclusive development and social impact in fisheries management. Small-scale fisheries play a crucial role in delivering key micronutrients to 2.3 billion people globally. It is essential to rethink food systems investments and ensure that development institutions are investing enough in this valuable nutritional resource. By managing fisheries not only for production but also for the nutritional benefits they provide, Africa can harness its oceans for greater social impact and inclusive development. Essam Yassin Mohammed, director general of WorldFish, leads efforts to advance research and innovation in aquatic food systems to promote sustainable fisheries management.
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The growing global popularity of wildlife crossings
Wildlife crossings have become a global movement with bipartisan support and public backing, proving to be highly effective in restoring genetic connectivity for animals and preventing dangerous vehicle collisions. States across the U.S. are increasingly investing in wildlife crossings, with efforts to secure more funding for these crucial conservation measures. Innovative solutions like canopy crossings and elevated highways are being explored to protect wildlife and promote cohabitation with animals. The public sentiment towards wildlife crossings has evolved positively, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging humans as part of nature and being responsible for protecting wildlife populations. Overall, wildlife crossings are seen as a win-win solution, benefiting public safety, saving money, and conserving wildlife while promoting a harmonious relationship with nature.
https://news.mongabay.com/podcast/2026/07/the-growing-global-popularity-of-wildlife-crossings/
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The blueprint for building a fairer world without breaking the planet
A group of researchers have devised a plan for achieving ecological sustainability within planetary boundaries by 2100, while increasing incomes for 98% of the global population and reducing working hours. The plan, outlined in the Global Justice Report, focuses on decarbonization, sufficiency, and reducing inequality. Tools include a global wealth tax, world sovereign fund, international currency, and global justice fund. Coalition building among nations willing to adopt these measures is seen as key to achieving the plan and ensuring a livable planet for future generations.